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Leave Your Gift and First Be Reconciled

Redeemer Lutheran Church - LCMS
Charleston, WV
February 16, 2020 The Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany (YrA)

Message presented by Rev. Frank C. Ruffatto

Psalm 119:1-8
Deuteronomy 30:15-20
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Matthew 5:21-37

“Leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” - Matthew 5:24

Jesus spoke these words in His Sermon on the Mount in Galilee to people who regularly traveled south to Jerusalem to present their offerings on the Temple Mount. This was the great altar located just outside the doors of the temple. Thousands of worshipers brought sacrificial animals to be offered on this high altar.

Matthew wrote these words to be read to new Christians who anticipated coming to the Lord’s altar for the Eucharist. 

So, which altar is it?